Enzymatic esterification/transesterification of rice bran acid oil for subsequent γ-oryzanol recovery

This study recovered γ-oryzanol from rice bran acid oil (RBAO), following an initial enzymatic esterification/transesterification to selectively convert its glyceride impurities into fatty ethyl esters (FAEEs) or biodiesel. was then deprotonated and separated the biodiesel resulting aqueous phase via acid-base extraction. Herein, we determine effects of varying reaction conditions, i.e., ethanol:RBAO molar ratio, temperature, time, enzyme loading, agitation speed, on degrees removal, loss, free (FFA) remaining, content. Up 100% removal achieved with a relatively high yield (84%) loss as low 26% under our most suitable conditions (5:1 40 °C, 24 h 10%wt 200 rpm agitation). Furthermore, remaining oryzanol, up 94% by extraction 2-4 M ethanolic NaOH solution. Our results suggest that combination subsequent offers efficient alternative approach simultaneous production recovery low-cost RBAO. Based analysis techno-economic environmental sustainability, integration present method refinery would make process profitable, minimum use toxic chemicals energy.